Hey there,

Here we are together on the last day of 2016. This year has had it ups and downs for everyone I am sure. I got some more writing done, and I have set my sights on upping the ante in 2017 if possible. I have to finish my nonfiction book about Haunted Charlottesville, and I am working on another short story for the next anthology. I want to make time to also work on my two novels this year. That may be easier said than done, but I am going to try. I am building my confidence in story telling, and I think I can do it, I just need to sit down and proceed. More on that as time goes on.

I hope everyone has a safe and warm New Year. It is 42 degrees here in Virginia. I am a 65 and below girl so I am quite happy it is not 80 and above. I hate being hot. As time goes on, that may change, but right now, it is good.

I also went back to work full-time in the OR, it is quite cold there so it works to my advantage. In addition, I also have lots of interesting things to add to my stories,,,,,,new technology, new drugs, and new procedures. It should be quite fun.

I would suggest making some good resolutions this year and meeting them in the first couple of week of the year. If you are like me, you get lackadaisical, and forget all about them. Mine are to do more writing and promotion, how about you?

Take good care, and see you next year on the first Saturday of 2017.

Here it is - 30 minutes to Christmas Day - I am sitting here surfing the net and writing on my book some more. It is coming due quickly in March so I need to get going even faster. I am in the process of coming up with some more short stories and working on my two novels this year after I finish the Haunted Book. It is a lot to accomplish, but I will do it in small chunks and get it done soon hopefully.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Year. May 2017 be your best one yet. It is a chance to start over and do it right the first time. Take advantage of that idea. Take care and have a wonderful holiday!

There is one more week before the big day. I have not even started shopping yet. I was at a Walmart last night, and I was surprised to see it not even full of people. Online shopping has become a big thing this year. Everyone I talk to has said they did their shopping online because they didn't want to fight the lines. I am amazed at how nice people have been this year as well. I think it is the season that brings out the nice. I always hope it stays like that for a while.

The weather is frightful and very cold outside. Ice was supposed to descend upon during the night. It did not, and I am thankful for that. I was supposed to hang with my son today for some shopping so I am waiting to see how that will go. I am sure a good time will be had. We went out last year for two hours and never bought anything. We did enjoy the time we spent just hanging out though. That is what it is all about, you know. Enjoying time with loved ones and acquaintances makes the season fun for everyone.

Everyone take good care and stay bundled up! As they say, Christmas is coming! It is right around the corner.

2016 has been both a great and sad year. We have lost many good people this year, it seems like one or two every week, but it has been a good year for me too. I have started writing more accomplishing another resolution from five years ago. Haha! I got the contract for Haunted Charlottesville, my first book. I am so looking forward to seeing it in print along with the awesome pictures my brother, Cliff, will add to it.

I had another short story get accepted into the Nightmares & Echoes anthology making it the third one to boot. I am grateful for these chances to share my work with the world. I always think they are mediocre at best. My delightful hubby, Michael, takes time to help me edit and make suggestions on how they could be better. It is definitely a team effort. I am ecstatic that many people in the Horror Writers Association have really liked the one I wrote called BLURRED LINE. It is my longest one to date, but I tried to add a hint of suspense and twist at the end as usual. It is not as easy as you think it is. Sometimes the characters take a life of their own, and you have to keep them corralled. I figure it is just their way of helping me to tell their story.

I hope as we head into the new year, you are starting to formulate some goals of your own. Mine are to write more again, finish my book, and get another story going for N&E 4. I have something in mind; I just haven't worked out the details or logistics yet. So we shall see.

Take care and stay warm out there. It is a cold 36 degrees where I live in Virginia. Bundle up!

Christmas is upon us and along with it, all the grandeur and hype as well. I have found myself buying online more often than not these last few years. I just don't have the patience to stand in a 50 person deep line for that special gift. Sometimes I get lucky and go right through the line, but it can be a bear this time of year.

I have noticed that people are nicer this time of year like they are aware someone is watching and making a list. They hold doors open and let you go first. I have also seen the scary side of people as well. I am sure we have all heard stories about people scrambling when the doors open and trampling others in their hurry.

This holiday season make sure to take care of yourself and all those you meet. January starts another year and another chance to do something you want, but you never had time to do. Make time this year, and get some of those tasks off your bucket list. I always take great joy in crossing one off mine.

Have a joyous holiday season and stay warm!

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, I am amazed that this year has passed so quickly. Of course, I say that every year. It seems like since I graduated from high school many years ago, time moves faster and faster. I wish we could slow the clock down and stop to enjoy all the wonders of the world. Alas, that will take more time that I do not have right now.

As we head into the holiday season, remember your lost loved ones and those who are still with you. This time of year brings out those memories and fond wishes that we do not think about any other time. I find myself being very nostalgic and remembering days gone past during the holidays. I long for those who have passed on, and I wonder how they are celebrating the occasion

I know people think of the holidays as hustle and bustle. I try to look for the good in people, and I always find it. People, to me, during this season always seem a little nicer like they know Santa is watching and choosing a list for their name. They let you go first or hold the door open for you. It is a weird season that I always look forward to every year.


I hope everyone finds that same magic this year. Go out and experience the wonder and magic. Have some fun and get into some mischief along the way. Remember it doesn't cost anything to be nice to one another.

As we wind down the year, my writer's group has also wound down as well. We just had our last meeting for the year and are getting ready to enjoy the upcoming holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years - before starting again in 2017. It has been a great year, and I hope 2017 will bring as much joy.

I am currently working on my Haunted Charlottesville book as well as some ideas for a fourth short story for the Nightmares & Echoes book next year. I also have two novels in the works. They are coming along slowly but surely. I am excited to be half way done with my Haunted Book. It has been a great ride so far, and I have enjoyed visiting the many places in the book as well as learning the history involved in each.

As I said before, it amazes me how everything is interconnected. One thing really does lead to another. Watch things unfold in your daily life, you will start to understand what I mean.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Author's Round-Up at Goochland Library -

What a great day it was. We were there for only two hours, but I met many new friends and some old ones. I talked to many fascinating people and learned about different genres of writing that I had not thought to read yet. It always amazes me the diversity that is found in these writer's events. You can always find something for everyone. Whether you like horror, mystery, animals, self-help, or fantasy. you will find it here.

I started out at the table near the door and enjoyed watching the passersby. Most would make a face when I told them my stuff was horror and scary tales. They giggled when I mentioned that they may have to sleep with the lights on for a few nights afterwards. I enjoy talking to people the most during a signing because you learn so many new things. You also get to talk with people from different walks of life. It really adds a flavor that you would never expect sometimes.

Stand up and get to know the person beside you no matter their background. You might find they have a lot more to offer than you thought.

Enjoy some pictures of the signing, and those who came out to see me.

                                           Table set up at beginning of Round-Up

                                          Church is one duty waiting for a scratch

                                           An old high school friend, Daniel, came to visit me and get Vol 3

                                           Lin, my good friend, came to visit and complete her collection.

                                          My sister came out to get her copy and chat for a bit.

Welcome to my new website!

I am very excited to be able to share all kinds of news and event information with you on my new website! It is a work-in-progress as I am new at this kind of thing. I really need to thank my wonderful son, Timothy, for helping me get it going. He showed me how to organize the pages and how to program in certain parameters.

It has been a true learning experience for me. I always say it is good to learn something new to keep the mind working, So I will try to update this at least once a week so you can keep up with current happenings.

Here we go! Let's have some fun.

PS Don't forget to go to my home page and send me an email to let me know if you liked the page.